Got Questions?
Replies from Mr. Fry
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What inspired you to become a lawyer, and what would you credit with maintaining that inspiration?I have always admired my father, as a husband, father, Naval Admiral, and attorney. We would often have dinner as a family, and my dad would share stories that always piqued my interest. He would explain situations that folks in our community needed help with, or situations that arose where he was called upon for assistance. Although keeping names in the strictest of confidence, I was amazed to hear so many situations and learn how, through hard work and a good dose of creativity, my dad could help transform people’s lives. I discovered that sometimes even “small victories” for his clients could, at times, be life altering. After seeing what a true impact this one attorney could have on others, I knew my calling would be to help others in their deepest and darkest hours. I not only wanted to be a personal injury attorney, but a trial attorney… engaged in the trenches of the courtroom. Even today, some twenty-one years after being sworn in as an attorney, I truly am amazed and grateful that again, one “small victory” can be a life-changer for a family in need.
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Please describe work on a case or issue that has made you proud to be a lawyer during the past year.I had the opportunity to represent a young man who was hit while driving his motorcycle. A friend had called and asked me to drive that very night, some 120 miles in a storm, to another state to meet with this potential client. I walked into the hospital room just past midnight and this gentleman was lying in bed, alone, tears running down his face, in a complete body cast. He had been told that he may never be able to produce children due to the physical trauma he had suffered. After a two-hour conversation, he decided to put his trust in me and my law firm. As the months passed, we dedicated tremendous time and attention to his case. We spent time together as his health slowly progressed and he was able to transition to his friend’s home, then to a rehabilitation center, and then finally to his own home. The insurance company offered many defenses based on assumptions that we felt were simply not true. I visited the scene of the incident on many occasions and spent time with numerous witnesses over a two-year time span. We eventually settled for millions of dollars (which represented the entire insurance that was applicable). This settlement enabled our young client to continue getting his life back on track and to ultimately regain his career as a professional kickboxer/fighter. Just recently he announced his engagement and that it was now possible for him to become a biological father!
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What qualities should a lawyer possess to become a successful and effective leader?I find that the best courtroom attorneys are firstly leaders in the “outside world”. In other words, being an effective leader translates into becoming an effective trial lawyer. A deep desire to “win” is not enough. One must have true compassion… not just passion. This cannot be manufactured. Clients have a strong sense of who we are as their attorneys. A lawyer must also have an optimistic view of life, and a hopeful vision of the future. We often meet people during the lowest of their lows. Our clients rely on us to remind and reassure them that, although nothing is guaranteed, there are legal tools that we can effectively utilize. Leadership, combined with a positive outlook on life, brings hope to clients when they need it the most.
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How do you see the field of law evolving in the next five to ten years?Many areas of the law are evolving to become more “technology-driven”. However, personal injury law still requires a high-level human interaction. Those who distinguish themselves really get to know their clients, spend time with their families, and experience first-hand how tragedy has affected them. Connecting with our clients is crucial. In this era of reduced human interaction, lawyers that are not afraid to express their genuine concern, and at times expose their own vulnerabilities, will continue to lead the field. Technology will change… but a commitment to helping transform lives in a positive, intentional, and deliberate manner will endure.